ICC World Cup 2019 | ICC CEO David Richardson assures high-quality pitches
ICC chairman David Richardson has assured cricket supporters that the international body will ensure the surfaces on display during the upcoming ICC World Cup will give both teams an equal chance. Richardson is confident that this year’s edition of the WC will be the most competitive one ever.
The recent warm-up game between India and New Zealand attracted criticism as the Indian batting order crumbled on a grassy surface and overcast conditions at The Oval on Saturday. Post the match, there was some concern among the Indian supporters about the type of pitches the ICC will provide during the upcoming ICC World Cup which begins in two days.
Due to the unpredictable weather conditions, the fans are worried that the Indian batsmen may struggle during the course of the tournament. However, ICC's Chief Executive Officer - Dave Richardson - dismissed any doubts of having below-par pitches as he claimed that the international body will ensure a fair playing surface for both teams.
"We would be providing pitches which give both teams equal chance. The pitches will be such that they do not change much during the course of the match. No team will have an advantage by bowling first. We believe that such wickets will provide for keen competition, without giving a particular team additional advantage," Richardson said at a recent press conference.
The ICC are well aware that the success of the World Cup will depend largely on the Asian teams doing well. Poor pitches could garner up some negative media publicity for the tournament which could harm its reputation on the global stage.
"We want the World Cup to inspire a new generation. We hear so many times about people who came into cricket because India won the World Cup in 1983 or the West Indies in the late 1970s.
"Hopefully, this will provide an opportunity, in particular to one country which goes away with the trophy but to everyone really around the world. From an entertainment point of view, for me that is really all about exciting cricket. The new format with the 10 best teams in the world, everyone in very good form, means that it promises to be one of the most competitive tournaments ever," Richardson added.
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